Recent stories
We are pleased to bring you the latest from around the Taupō & Tūrangi communities. Reporting local, supporting local.
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The cost of getting elected
Mayoral winner John Funnell and runner-up Zane Cozens were the big spenders in last year’s local body election race.
GLC gets a makeover
She turned 30 in 2022, officially opening in August 1992, and now the Great Lake Centre is getting a make-over.
A message from the Mayor
Newly-elected Taupō District Mayor John Funnell took up the mayoralty in October after a career as a rescue helicopter pilot and business owner. He shares his reflections on his first two months.
Concrete surface for popular track
The winding path down to Otumuheke Stream track at Spa Park is being concreted.
Spreading the word about wet wipes
Dave Cade – otherwise known as Didymo Dave – has a new message to spread.
Musicals on hold as costs rise
A perfect storm of circumstances means Act 2 Visual and Performing Arts School artistic director Toni Neve has had to make the difficult decision to cease staging large scale end of year musical productions.
New mayor appoints same deputy
New Mayor John Funnell has asked existing deputy and rival mayoral candidate Kevin Taylor to stay on in the role.
Sewer spill caused by wet wipes and toilet brush
Taupō Main Beach was off-limits to swimming late last week after a sewage spill.
Mayor signs off with a smile
Outgoing Taupō Mayor David Trewavas is going to miss the meeting and greeting that goes with the job but says the council meetings were never his favourite part of the job.
Mayor apologises ‘in advance’ for hearing loss
Taupō’s new mayor John Funnell says he may not be able to attend some events because of his hearing loss.
Votes counted with one change
All votes are now counted in the Taupō District Council elections with one change from the preliminary results.
TDC releases first affordable houses
Homes to be built in the first stage of Taupō District Council’s innovative new residential development at Taupō South are now on the market.
Tight race for final council seats
The make-up of the Taupō District Council is still up in the air with very tight contests for three of the 12 councillor seats.
Taupō elects a new Mayor
Taupō has a new mayor with John Funnell ahead by a comfortable margin with most votes counted.
Councillors sign off with fond memories
A combined 30 years of service to the Taupō District Council and its communities came to an end yesterday as three councillors attended their final council meeting.
Sneaky stickers rankle candidates
Two incumbent Taupō District councillors believe the campaign in this year’s local elections has taken a turn for the worse and are urging voters to make their own minds up.
OPINION: Māori Wards means a better democracy
Democracy works best when those in power reflect the population. The Taupō East Wards ensures our rural community has their voice heard, and their needs reflected on council. The Papamārearea Ward is no different.
Candidates front up to the public
More than 300 residents were treated to some clangers and further evidence that a couple of candidates need to do more homework at the second major meet the mayoral hopefuls and Taupō Ward candidates on Monday night at the Great Lake Centre.
Leading the strategic way
He may be running for mayor, but Kevin Taylor has had to limit his movement for a week or so – due to a cellulitis infection in his leg.
Award winning splash of colour
The new Tūwharetoa and Taupō District Council administration building – He Whare Hono o Tūwharetoa – is one of four regional winners in the Architectural Design Awards.
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